News: Taste for a Cure

Bellissimo! Meet Chef Rob Kinneen of The Boot

Originally from Alaska, Executive Chef Rob Kinneen is passionate about his roots, as well as using local and indigenous ingredients. He attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and after working at Emeril’s NOLA, Chef Rob returned to Alaska to work in fine dining and catering. His catering experience ranges, from cooking in small fine dining settings to large outdoor weddings and events. His career highlights are quite noteworthy and include cooking for President Obama in an intimate house party setting as well as Al Roker when he visited Alaska with the TODAY SHOW.

Chef Rob previously worked in the Triangle at Pop’s Trattoria and Elaine’s on Franklin. He recently returned to the Triangle in April 2016 and now serves as Executive Chef of The Boot and Happy Cardinal Catering in Durham. He is excited to be back in the Triangle working with the local bounty North Carolina has to offer. The menu at The Boot offers casual Italian food with local ingredients. Many of the pastas are made from scratch, often including options like sweet potato gnocchi and goat cheese stuffed ravioli. Not only can you taste these exquisite pastas at The Boot, but Chef Rob teaches pasta making classes so you can try your hand at recreating your favorite, comforting Italian dishes at home.

Chef Rob appreciates the North Carolina food scene and enjoys being in Durham. He also believes that Durham offers a wonderful environment for raising a family and ample opportunities to send quality time with his daughter and wife.

Chef Rob is excited to serve on our culinary team at the Taste for a Cure Chef’s Gala because he appreciates supporting worthy causes like the fight against melanoma. We hope you enjoy Chef Rob’s delectable food at our Taste for a Cure Chef’s Gala on April 30, 2017.

About Post Author

Tracy Callahan is the CEO and Founder of the Polka Dot Mama Melanoma Foundation, a nonprofit that funds research, raises awareness and educates the community about melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Tracy has been diagnosed with melanoma three times and has undergone countless biopsies and surgeries. As a result, her two young children lovingly nicknamed her their “Polka Dot Mama.” They inspired her to start the foundation in 2015.